The negative impact of parental imprisonment upon children and young people is being increasingly well documented
The findings are accommodated within Welsh Government policy and procedure, and the emerging Adverse Childhood Experiences agenda.
At any one time, it is estimated that some 200,000 children across the UK have reduced life chances, and are at a greater risk of entering the criminal justice system themselves. The Big Lottery-funded Invisible Walls Accord Project aims to ensure that children affected by parental imprisonment are identified for receipt of support to reduce the short- and long-term impact of such adverse experiences.
Working closely with children, young people, parents, schools, community support and the prison estate across south Wales, the Invisible Walls Accord Service Toolkit has been developed to:
• increase the confidence of teaching and support staff to recognise and support families affected by parental imprisonment
• provide resources for enabling effective support via a whole-school approach, to promote citizenship and the creation of an environment where differences are embraced and stigma reduced
• provide schools with the knowledge and tools to ensure that children, young people and families are recognised and effectively engaged in that Team Around the Family approach envisaged by Welsh Government in the implementation of its policy, procedure and guidance
Resources within the toolkit are in line with the National Curriculum, to allow teachers to seamlessly integrate the session plans into their lessons. Alternatively, they can be used during PSE or one-to-one sessions.
Download the kit below.